GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) -
With temperatures expected to top out near 100 degrees Thursday, forecasters warn of near-record heat for the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday for Abbeville, Greenwood, Laurens and Union counties in South Carolina, and for Elbert County in Georgia.
FOX Carolina Chief Meteorologist Kendra Kent said high temperatures will climb into the upper 90s in the Upstate. She said that with the high humidity expected, the heat index, or how the temperatures feels, will be closer to 110 degrees.
Kent forecast a high temperature of 98 degrees for Greenville, a degree shy of the record high that has been hit three times in recorded history on July 26 - in 2010, 1995 and 1987. In Asheville, Kent forecast a high of 91, which would be three degrees shy of the record hit twice - in 1949 and 1940.
Experts recommend people stay indoors as much as possible during the extreme heat. They said people who are required to be outside should take frequent breaks in an air-conditioned area, drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages and where light-weight, light-colored clothing.
There is only a slight chance of storms for Thursday, Kent said.
Kent said a cold front will move into the area by Friday, providing a better chance for storms and slightly cooler air for the weekend.
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A thermometer at a Greenville bank displays the temperature on a summer day. (File/FOX Carolina)
